December 1-11, 2016 Christmas 2016 Thursday December 1, 7:30pm First United Methodist Church, Victoria

Friday December 2, 7:30 pm St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Houston

Saturday December 3, 8:00pm The Carillon on Exposition, Austin

Sunday December 4, 8:00pm The Carillon on Exposition, Austin

Monday December 5, 7:30pm Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin

Wednesday December 7, 7:30pm Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio

Friday December 9, 8:00pm The Carillon on Exposition, Austin

Saturday December 10, 8:00pm The Carillon on Exposition, Austin

Sunday December 11, 7:00pm St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas

Craig Hella Johnson, Artistic Director & Conductor Matt Alber, Special Guest Artist Thomas Burritt, Percussion

Season Sustaining Underwriter & San Antonio Performance Sponsor

®

Austin Performance Sponsors

Wendi & Brian Kushner

San Antonio Performance Sponsor Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts 1 1 Stories. Who doesn’t enjoy a good story– a story that somewhere between “Once upon a time...” and “...happily ever after” juxtaposes paradoxical humanity for its beauty and ugliness, its simplicity and complexity, its strength and fragility. Conspirare Christmas tells a story. The assemblage of numerous musical styles spotlights the lyrics, which are the heart of Conspirare Christmas. The texts explore deeply human experiences, while the music resonates to enter our inner being. I recall one evening when an audience member “Love, I find, is like singing.” wept softly through most of a concert, frequently dabbing moist eyes. And at one dress rehearsal, I was the one to wipe away tears—so many – Zora Neale Hurston tears that I slipped outside into the cold to mourn crushed dreams and to allow music’s restorative gentleness to renew my spirit. Conspirare Christmas is both a cherished tradition and, each year, a fresh and new musical journey. We try to listen closely to what is moving through our lives and explore meaning during the holidays through the Often, Conspirare Christmas begins with the toll of a single bell, a solo gift of music. voice, or several voices singing in unison. Yet singing begets singing; and soon, the full ensemble joins to tell of a journey from sorrow to joy, brokenness to fulfillment, darkness to light, loneliness to relationship. Even though we hold these concerts in chapel spaces and concert halls, And before we arrive at our story’s end, everyone sings—even the I want to evoke the feeling that we are spontaneously singing together audience. This is always my favorite part of Conspirare Christmas: the in a friendly, informal shared space that is meant to hold all our stories. sound of all the voices in the venue joyfully making music together. It’s especially fun when you catch eyes with someone else and share With this annual series I am interested in breaking down walls between delighted smiles. We begin as individuals and depart as a community. musical styles and periods as a vital metaphor for what it means to live as We have listened intently, and we have been listened to. Twenty years a global human family. We draw on many traditions and poets, and come ago, just as the rehearsal for my very first Conspirare Christmas was together for renewal, contemplation and celebration. As an invitation to about to begin, a fellow singer passionately shared that these concerts truly connect with one another we ask the same question in countless were her favorite musical event of the year. May this Conspirare ways: What is it to truly love, and how can we celebrate being fully alive? Christmas—whether it’s your first or your twenty-first—nourish your soul with joy, and inspire you to keep listening and singing! We are deeply grateful to so many of you who share this experience with us year after year—you have truly become co-creators. To those of you Cynthia I. Gonzales began singing in choirs when she was taller sitting who are new with us I want to extend a warm welcome. You create and in a church pew than standing up on her own two feet. From 1996-2011, hold the space in which Conspirare Christmas takes place. May your she performed with Conspirare, singing in 16 consecutive Conspirare holidays be filled with peace and joy. Christmas concerts. For more than a decade, she served as Conspirare’s Soprano Section Leader, a position she also held during her four summer seasons with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale in the mid-1980s. Currently, Cynthia serves as Coordinator of Theory and Aural Skills at Texas State University, where she is a tenured faculty member in the School of Music. She is also Music Director at First Lutheran Church in San Marcos, TX. 2 3 These concerts are dedicated to cherished Conspirare friends REUNION SONG Lynne Dobson and Greg Wooldridge Africa David Paich (1954), Jeff Porcaro (1954–1992) Beautiful City Stephen Schwartz (b. 1948) Please refrain from applause except where indicated by +++++++++++++++ Baba Yetu Christopher Tin (b. 1976) Dance in the Graveyards Ian Christian Hölljes and THEY WOULD SEE DOLPHINS Eric Hölljes Gitanjali Chants Craig Hella Johnson (b. 1962) All of Us/Tightrope/Happy Craig Hella Johnson/ Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah Plainsong Chant Nathaniel Irvin Breakable Ingrid Michaelson (b. 1970) Charles Joseph II, O Come Little Children Johann A. P. Schulz (1747–1800) Antwan “Big Boi” Patton (b. 1975) Forgive the Children We Once Were Eric Richard Hölljes (b. 1987), and Janelle Robinson (b. 1985) Ian Christian Hölljes (b. 1985) Pharrell Williams (b. 1973) +++++++++++++++ Softly Will Todd (b. 1970) Veni Emmanuel Plainsong Chant COME LOVE, CAROLING Psalm of Invocation (from Vigilia) Eionujhani Rautavaara (b. 1928) O Come, All Ye Faithful John Francis Wade (1711–1786) Watching for Dolphins Craig Hella Johnson Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Felix Mendelssohn (1809 –1847), There’s Still My Joy Beth Nielsen Chapman (b. 1958), adapted by William H. Cummings Melissa Manchester (b. 1951), (1831–1915) Matthew Rollings (b. 1955) The Christmas Song Mel Tormé (1925–1999), Song of the Stars Craig Hella Johnson Robert Wells (b. 1962) Lobet dem Herrn J.S. Bach (1685–1750) Mary Did You Know Mark Lowry (b. 1958), (from Singet dem Herrn) Buddy Greene +++++++++++++++ Rise Up Shepherd and Follow African American Spiritual Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor Irving Berlin (1888–1989) LOVE IS A MIRROR Let There Be Peace on Earth Sy Miller (1908–1971) and I Want to Know What Love Is Mick Jones (b. 1955) Jill Jackson (1913–1995) We Are Ysaye Barnwell (b. 1946) Do You Hear What I Hear? Noel Regeny (1922–2002), End of the World Matt Alber (b. 1975) Gloria Shayne (1923–2008) Ruth Paul Ayres (b. 1970) We Wish You A Merry Christmas English Carol How We Love Beth Nielsen Chapman (b. 1958) Jingle Bells James Pierpont (1822–1893) arr. If I Had a Hammer Lee Hays (1914–1981), Julien Neel (b. 1976) Pete Seeger (1919–2014) Merry Christmas Baby Lou Baxter, Johnny Moore The Times They are a Changin’ Bob Dylan (b. 1941) (b. 1906–1969) All Good People Ian Christian Hölljes, Eric Hölljes Angels We Have Heard on High Traditional French Carol +++++++++++++++ Silent Night Franz Gruber (1787–1863)

INTERLUDE CLOSING Pure Imagination Leslie Bricusse (b. 1931), Lullaby (Good Night, My Angel) Billy Joel (b. 1949) Anthony Newley (1931–1999) We Clasp the Hands Craig Hella Johnson I Could Have Danced All Night Frederick Loewe (1901–1988), arr. Craig Hella Johnson) +++++++++++++++

4 5 THEY WOULD SEE DOLPHINS

Ever in my life have I sought thee with my songs. It was they who led me from door to door, and with them have I felt about me, searching and touching my world. It was my songs that taught me all the lessons I ever learnt; they showed me secret paths, they brought before my sight many a star on the horizon of my heart. – Rabindranath Tagore

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim though this barren land; So come, my friends, be not afraid. I am weak, but thou art mighty; We are so lightly here. hold me with thy powerful hand; It is in love that we are made; Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, In love we disappear. feed me till I want no more, – Leonard Cohen feed me till I want no more. – William Williams, trans. Peter Williams

Breakable Have you ever thought about what protects our hearts? Grandfather Great Spirit Just a cage of rib bones and other various parts. All over the world the faces of living ones are alike. So it’s fairly simple to cut right through the mess, With tenderness they have come up and out of the ground And to stop the muscle that makes us confess. Look upon your children that they may face the winds And walk the good road to the Day of Quiet. And we are so fragile, Grandfather Great Spirit And our cracking bones make noise, Fill us with the Light And we are just, Give us strength to understand, and the eyes to see. Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys. Teach us to walk the soft Earth as relatives to all that live. – Sioux Prayer And we are so fragile, And our cracking bones make noise, And we are just, Breakable, breakable, breakable girls- Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys. – Ingrid Michaelson

O come, little children, O come one and all, (breakable, breakable girls and boys) To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small, God’s son for a gift has been sent you this night To be your redeemer, your joy and delight. – J. C. von Schmid

Breakable, breakable girls and boys…

6 7 And may Your light burn in me; Forgive the Children We Once Were We grew up in golden light May Your love endless be. Every chance to get it right May You be always with me. What did we do with it? Child of God, sleeping savior, It’s gone, what I had back then is gone As You rest my world awaits, Can’t get it back again Needing forgiveness, Needing your kindness. Raised by kids who gave us names Now You have found me, These grown up children we became Waken my soul. Who spread the gossip and the shame Bring me out of darkness and waken my soul. – Will Todd We waited O come, Thou Wisdom from on high For love, for dreams in the night And order all things, far and nigh; For days to come when we’d be all right To us the path of knowledge show, I can’t remember why I did the things I did And cause us in her ways to go. I was just a kid O come, Desire of nations, bind All our lives we feel this young All peoples in one heart and mind; Sorry for the things we should have done Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease; Sorry for the kids we pushed too far Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Sorry now for all the lonely hearts who can’t move on because Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. – O antiphons We waited Psalm of Invocation For love, for dreams in the night Avuksihuutopsalmi For days to come when we’d be all right Psalm of Invocation I can’t remember why I did the things I did Herra, minä huudan Sinua, kuule minua. I was just a kid Lord, I cry to thee, Ota korviisi minun ääneni, All the lines we knew back then, they now are faded give ear to my voice All the laws we once obeyed, they have betrayed us kun minä Sinua huudan, People that I used to hate, I hardly remember when I pray thee. Forgive the children we once were Kuule minua Oi Herra, – Ian Christian Hölljes and Eric Richard Hölljes O Lord, I cry to thee, kuule minua, Herra. Softly give ear to my voice, Lord. Softly sleeping, sent from heaven, Nouskoon minun rukoukseni Shining light against the cold, Let my prayer be You will renew me, waken my soul. niinkuin suitsutussavu Bring me out of darkness and waken my soul. set forth before thee Word of God born in darkness, Sinun kasvojesi eteen, Gift of wisdom from afar, as incense You will refresh me, open my heart; minun käteni ylennys Bring me out of darkness and open my heart.

8 9 and the lifting up of my hands Further and further into the deep parts. But soon olkoon Sinulle ehtoouhri, We were among the great tankers, under their chains as the evening sacrifice, In black water. We had not seen the dolphins kuule minua, oi Herra. But woke, blinking. Eyes cast down With no admission of disappointment the company give ear unto my voice, Lord. Dispersed and prepared to land in the city. Vie minun sieluni ulos vankeudesta – David Constantine Bring my soul out of prison kiittämään Sinun nimeäsi. There’s Still My Joy that I may praise thy name. I brought my tree down to the shore – Book of Psalms The garland, and the silver star To find my peace, and grieve no more There is some kiss we want with our whole lives. To heal this place inside my heart the touch of spirit on the body. On every branch I laid some bread And hungry birds filled up the sky Seawater begs the pearl to break its shell. They rang like bells around my head – Rumi They sang my spirit back to life

Watching for Dolphins One tiny child can change the world In the summer months on every crossing to Piraeus One shining light can show the way One noticed that certain passengers soon rose For all my tears, for what I’ve lost From seats in the packed saloon and with serious There’s still my joy Looks and no acknowledgement of a common purpose There’s still my joy For Christmas day Passed forward through the small door into the bows The snow comes down on empty sand To watch for dolphins. One saw them lose There’s tinsel moonlight on the waves My soul was lost, but here I am Every other wish. Even the lovers So this must be amazing grace Turned their desires on the sea, and a fat man Hung with equipment to photograph the occasion One tiny child can change the world Stared like a saint, through sad bi-focals, others, One shining light can show the way Hopeless themselves, looked to the children, for they Beyond these tears for what I’ve lost Would see dolphins if anyone would…Every face There’s still my joy There’s still my joy After its character implored the sea. For Christmas day All, unaccustomed, wanted epiphany, There’s still my joy for Christmas day Praying the sky would clang and the abused Aegean – Beth Nielsen Chapman, Melissa Manchester, and Matthew Rollings Reverberate with cymbal, gong and drum. Lo, how a rose e’er blooming We could not imagine more prayer, and had they then From tender stem hath sprung, On the waves, on the climax of our longing come Of Jesse’s lineage coming, As men of old have sung. Smiling, snub-nosed, domed like satyrs, oh It came a flow’ret bright We should have laughed and lifted the children up Amid the cold of winter Stranger to stranger, pointing how with a leap When half-spent was the night. They left their element, three or four times, centred Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, On grace, and heavily and warm re-entered, This Rose that I have in mind. Looping the keel. We should have felt them go – 15th Century German. Translated by Theodore Baker

Gloria in excelsis Deo! 10 11 Song of the Stars We Are When the radiant morn of creation broke, For each child that’s born And the world in the smile of God awoke, a morning star rises and And the empty realms of darkness and death sings to the universe who we are. Were moved through their depths by his mighty breath, We are our grandmothers’ prayers. And orbs of beauty and spheres of flame, We are our grandfathers’ dreamings. We are the breath of our ancestors. From the void abyss by myriads came, We are the spirit of God. In the joy of youth as they darted away, We are Mothers of courage Through the widening wastes of space to play, Fathers of time Their silver voices in chorus rung, Daughters of dust And this was the song of the bright ones sung. Sons of great vision. – William Cullen Bryant We are Sisters of mercy Brothers of love Lobet dem Herrn Lovers of life and the builders of nations. Lobet den Herrn in seinen Taten, We are Seekers of truth Praise the Lord in His works, Keepers of faith lobet ihn in seiner großen Herrlichkeit. Makers of peace and the wisdom of ages. praise Him in his great glory. We are our grandmothers’ prayers. We are our grandfathers’ dreamings. Alles was Odem hat, lobe den Herrn, We are the breath of our ancestors. Halleluja! We are the spirit of God. Everything that has breath, praise the Lord, For each child that’s born Hallelujah! a morning star rises – Psalm 150:2, 6 and sings to the universe who we are. – Ysaye M. Barnwell +++++++++++++++ We Are One.

LOVE IS A MIRROR (Love between my brothers and my sisters Love between my brothers and my sisters) Love is a mirror, it reflects only your essence, if you have the courage to look in its face. – Rumi End of the World I don’t want to ride this roller coaster I wanna know what love is I think I want to get off I want you to show me But they buckled me down I wanna feel what love is Like it’s the end of the world I know you can show me If you don’t want to have this conversation Then you better get out I’m gonna take a little time ‘Cause we’re climbing to our death A little time to look around me At least that’s what they want you to think I’ve got nowhere left to hide Just in case we jump the track It looks like love has finally found me I have a confession to make – Mick Jones It’s something like a cork screw

12 13 I don’t wanna fall, I don’t wanna fly There are three things that amaze me, I don’t wanna be dangled over No, four things I do not understand: The edge of a dying romance how and eagle glides through the sky, But I don’t wanna stop how a snake slithers on a rock, I don’t wanna lie how a ship navigates the ocean, I don’t wanna believe it’s over how a man loves a woman. I just wanna stay with you tonight – Proverbs 30: 18-19 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, I didn’t mean to scream out quite so loudly too great for me to know! When we screeched to a halt – Psalm 139:6 I’m just never prepared For the end of the ride (…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, Maybe we should get on something simpler and our sacred Honor) Like a giant balloon – Declaration of Independence But I’ve got two tickets left, and so do you Instead of giving them away to some stranger The world is black, the world is white Let’s make them count, come on It turns by day and then by night Let’s get back in line again and ride the big one A child is black, a child is white Don’t you wanna fall, don’t you wanna fly Together they grow to see the light Don’t you want to be dangled over To see the light The edge of this aching romance If it’s gonna end, then I wanna know And now, at last, we plainly see That we squeezed out every moment We’ll have a dance of liberty But if there’s nothing left can you tell me why Liberty That it is you’re holding onto me – David Arkin Like it’s the end of the world – Matt Alber How We Love Life has taught me this I said, Everyday is new O Love I am frightened, And if anything is true but it’s not you. All that matters when we’re through is how we love

Love said to me, Faced with what we lack there is nothing that is not me. Some things fall apart – Rumi But from the ashes new dreams start All that matters to the heart is how we love Ruth And Ruth said, How we love, how we love I will go wherever you go With the smallest act of kindness And live wherever you live In a word, a smile, a touch Your people will be my people, And your God will be my God, In spite of our mistakes I will die where you die Chances come again and will be buried there. If we lose or if we win – Ruth 1:16-17 All that matters in the end is how we love

14 15 How we love, how we love I’d sing out a warning I will not forget your kindness I’d sing out love between When I needed it so much my brothers and my sisters all over this land. Sometimes we forget Well, I’ve got a hammer Trying to be so strong and I’ve got a bell In this world of right and wrong and I’ve got a song to sing All that matters when we’re gone all over this land, All that mattered all along It’s the hammer of justice All we have that carries on . . . is how we love It’s the bell of freedom – Beth Nielsen Chapman It’s a song about love between my brothers and my sisters The world is black, the world is white all over this land. It turns by day and then by night – Lee Hays and Pete Seeger A child is black, a child is white Together they grow to see the light Love between my brothers and my sisters To see the light love between my brothers and sisters All over this land. And now, at last, we plainly see We’ll have a dance of liberty The Times They are A-Changin’ Liberty Come gather around people – David Arkin Wherever you roam And admit that the waters If I Had a Hammer If I had a hammer, Around you have grown I’d hammer in the morning, And accept it that soon I’d hammer in the evening, You’ll be drenched to the bone All over this land, And if your breath to you is worth saving I’d hammer out danger, Then you better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone I’d hammer out a warning, For the times they are a-changing I’d hammer out love between, My brothers and my sisters, Come writers and critics All over this land. Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide If I had a bell, The chance won’t come again I’d ring it in the morning, And don’t speak too soon I’d ring it in the evening, For the wheel’s still in spin All over this land, And there’s no telling who that it’s naming I’d ring out danger, For the loser now will be later to win I’d ring out a warning, Cause the times they are a-changing I’d ring out love between, Come senators, congressmen My brothers and my sisters, Please heed the call All over this land. Don’t stand in the doorway If I had a song Don’t block up the hall I’d sing it in the morning For he that gets hurt I’d sing it in the evening Will be he who has stalled all over this land, There’s the battle outside raging I’d sing out danger It’ll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls For the times they are a-changing 16 17 All good people, won’t you come around? Come mothers and fathers Won’t you come around? Throughout the land Won’t you come around? And don’t criticize All good people, won’t you come around? What you can’t understand Won’t you come around? Your sons and your daughters Defend your brothers Are beyond your command All good people, won’t you come around? Your old road is rapidly aging Won’t you come around? Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand Won’t you come around? Cause the times they are a-changing All good people, won’t you come around? Won’t you come around? The line it is drawn Hold up each other The curse it is cast – Ian Christian Hölljes and Eric Hölljes The slowest now Will later be fast +++++++++++++++ As the present now Will later be past The order is rapidly fading INTERLUDE And the first one now will later be last Cause the times they are a-changing Pure Imagination – Bob Dylan Come with me And you’ll be All Good People In a world of pure imagination There are dogs in the yard, howling at the moon Take a look There are sinners like me our judgment’s coming soon And you’ll see And I stand at the bottom of this dark and lonely well Into your imagination Saying “please give me answers so I might escape Hell” We’ll begin I watched from my window as they gunned down unarmed men With a spin Tried to say it’s not my problem: couldn’t happen to my friends Traveling in But the truth is they’re my brothers, and they’re my countrymen The world of my creation And if we lose our better angels, we won’t get them back again What we’ll see Will defy Come on and raise your voice above the raging seas Explanation We can’t hold our breath forever when our brothers cannot breathe Come on and raise your voice above the raging seas If you want to view paradise We can’t hold our breath forever when our brothers cannot breathe Simply look around and view it Anything you want to, do it Oh, oh Want to change the world? Our brothers cannot breathe There’s nothing to it Our brothers cannot breathe There is no Life I know To compare with pure imagination Living there You’ll be free If you truly wish to be -Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley 18 19 When your trust is all but shattered REUNION SONG When your faith is all but killed You can give up, bitter and battered Shall we gather at the river . . . Or you can slowly start to build

Africa A beautiful city I hear the drums echoing tonight Yes, we can; Yes, we can But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation We can build a beautiful city She’s coming in twelve-thirty flight Not a city of angels Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation But finally a city of man. I stopped an old man along the way – Stephen Schwartz Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say. “Hurry, boy, it’s waiting there for you.” Baba Yetu Our Father in heaven: It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you May your holy name be honored; There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do may your Kingdom come; God bless the rains down in Africa may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Gonna take some time to do the things we never had Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. – David Paich, Jeff Porcaro Lead us not into temptation, but keep us safe from the evil. Beautiful City – Christopher Tin Out of the ruins and rubble Out of the smoke Dance In The Graveyards Out of our night of struggle When I die Can we see a ray of hope? I don’t want to rest in peace One pale thin ray reaching for the day I want to dance in joy I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards We can build a beautiful city And while I’m alive Yes, we can; Yes, we can I don’t want to be alone We can build a beautiful city Mourning the ones who came before Not a city of angels I want to dance with them some more But we can build a city of man Let’s dance in the graveyards

We may not reach the ending Gloria, like some other name we kept on calling ya and waiting for change But we can start But I belong to all of your mysteries Slowly but truly mending Brick by brick, heart by heart And all of us, we’re meant for the fire, Now, maybe now but we keep rising up and walking the wires We start learning how So when we go below don’t lose us in mourning

We can build a beautiful city ’Cause when I die Yes, we can; Yes, we can I don’t want to rest in peace We can build a beautiful city I want to dance in joy Not a city of angels I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards But we can build a city of man 20 21 Never our despair, And while I’m alive Never the least of us, I don’t want to be alone Never turn away, Mourning the ones who came before Never hide our face; I want to dance with them some more Ordinary boy, Let’s dance in the graveyards Only all of us, Free us from our fear, Oh my love, don’t cry when I’m gone Only all of us. I will lift you up, the air in your lungs And when you reach for me, we’ll dance in the darkness Some people talk about you Like they know all about you And we will walk beyond When you get down they doubt you Our daughters and sons, they will carry on And when you tipping on the scene Like when we were young, and we will stand beside and breathe Yeah they talkin’ about it in their new life ‘Cause they can’t tip all on the scene with you What you talk about it ’Cause when I die Talkin’ about it I don’t want to rest in peace When you get elevated, I want to dance in joy They love it or they hate it I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards You dance up on them haters Keep getting funky on the scene And while I’m alive While they jumpin’ round you I don’t want to be alone They trying to take all your dreams Mourning the ones who came before But you can’t allow it I want to dance with them some more Let’s dance in the graveyards ‘Cause baby whether you’re high or low – Ian Christian Hölljes and Eric Richard Hölljes Whether you’re high or low You gotta tip on the tightrope All of Us/Tightrope/Happy (Tip, tip on it) What could be the song? Tip on the tightrope Where begin again? (Tip, tip on it) Who could meet us there? Where might we begin? From the shadows climb, Rise to sing again; Where could be the joy? How do we begin?

22 23 Because I’m happy See I’m not walkin’ on it Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Or trying to run around it Because I’m happy This ain’t no acrobatics Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth You either follow or you lead, yeah Because I’m happy I’m talkin’ about you, Clap along if you know what happiness is to you I’ll keep on blaming the machine, yeah Because I’m happy I’m talkin’ about it, Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do Talkin’ about it I can’t complain about it It might seem crazy what I’m about to say I gotta keep my balance Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break And just keep dancing on it I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space We getting funky on the scene With the air, like I don’t care, baby, by the way Yeah you know about it, – Pharrell Williams Like a star on the screen Watch me tip all on it Only in the Love, only in the love Whether you’re high or low What could be the song? (High or low) Where begin again? Baby whether you’re high or low Who could meet us there? (High or low) You got to tip on the tightrope Where might we begin? (Tip, tip on it) From the shadows climb, Now let me see you do the tightrope Rise to sing again; (Tip, tip on it) Where could be the joy? And I’m still tippin’ on it How do we begin? – Nathaniel Irvin, Charles Joseph II, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and Janelle Robinson Never our despair, Never the least of us, Never turn away, Never hide our face; Ordinary boy, Only all of us, Free us from our fear, Only all of us.

Only in the Love, Love that lifts us up, Clear from out the heart From the mountain’s side, Come creation come, Strong as any stream; How can we let go? How can we be dream?

24 25 Out of heaven, rain, Hark the Herald Angels Sing Rain to wash us free; Hark the herald angels sing / Glory to the newborn King! Rivers flowing on, Peace on earth and mercy mild / God and sinners reconciled Ever to the sea; Joyful, all ye nations rise / Join the triumph of the skies Bind up every wound, With the angelic host proclaim: / Christ is born in Bethlehem Every cause to grieve; Hark! The herald angels sing / Glory to the newborn King!” Always to forgive Only to believe. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! / Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, / Risen with healing in his wings. This evergreen, this heart, this soul, Mild he lays his glory by, / Born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, / Born to give us second birth. Now moves us to reclaim our world, Reminds us how we are to be Hark! the herald angels sing, / Glory to the new born King! – Charles Wesley Your people born to dream, How old this joy, how strong this call AUDIENCE PLEASE BE SEATED To sing your radiant care With every voice, in cloudless hope Of our belonging here. The Christmas Song Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping on your nose, Only in the Love, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, Love that lifts us up. And folks dressed up like Eskimos. – Michael Dennis Browne Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe, Help to make the season bright. +++++++++++++++ Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, Will find it hard to sleep tonight. COME LOVE, CAROLING They know that Santa’s on his way; He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. AUDIENCE PLEASE STAND AND SING And every mother’s child is going to spy, To see if reindeer really know how to fly. O Come, All Ye Faithful And so I’m offering this simple phrase, O come, all ye faithful /Joyful and triumphant To kids from one to ninety-two, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Come and behold Him / Born the King of Angels! Merry Christmas to you – Mel Tormé and Robert Wells O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Mary, Did You Know O come, let us adore Him Mary, did you know Christ the Lord that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know Sing, choirs of angels / Sing in exultation that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above Did you know Glory to God / In the highest! that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? – Traditional English Carol This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know

26 27 AUDIENCE PLEASE REMAIN SEATED AND SING that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? Let There Be Peace on Earth When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me. Mary did you know… Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be. – Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene With God as our Father Brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony. Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn, Let peace begin with me Rise up shepherd and follow. Let this be the moment now. It will lead to the place where the Savior’s born, With every step I take Rise up shepherd and follow. Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment Follow, follow, And live each moment Rise up shepherd and follow. With peace eternally. Follow the star of Bethlehem. Let there be peace on earth, Rise up shepherd and follow. And let it begin with me. – Sy Miller and Jill Jackson If you take good heed to the angel’s words. Rise up shepherd and follow. Do You Hear What I Hear? You’ll forget your flocks; you’ll forget your herds. Said the night wind to the little lamb, Rise up shepherd and follow. do you see what I see Way up in the sky, little lamb, Follow, follow, do you see what I see Rise up shepherd and follow. A star, a star, dancing in the night Follow the star of Bethlehem. With a tail as big as a kite Rise up shepherd and follow. With a tail as big as a kite – African American Spiritual Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor Give me your tired, your poor, do you hear what I hear Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free; A song, a song, high above the trees The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Send these, the homeless, Tempest-tossed to me I lift my lamp beside the golden door! – Emma Lazarus

28 29 Said the king to the people everywhere, Jingle all the way, listen to what I say Oh what fun it is to ride Pray for peace, people everywhere! In a one-horse open sleigh, oh listen to what I say Jingle bells, jingle bells The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night Jingle all the way, He will bring us goodness and light Oh what fun it is to ride He will bring us goodness and light In a one-horse open sleigh. – Noel Regeny and Gloria Shayne – James Pierpont

We Wish You a Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Baby We wish you a Merry Christmas… Merry, merry Christmas, baby Sure did treat me nice I said merry Christmas, baby Jingle Bells Sure did treat me nice Jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle. . . jingle all the way Gave me diamond rings for Christmas Dashing through the snow Now I’m living in paradise In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Well, I’m feeling mighty fine Laughing all the way, Got good music on my radio Bells on bob-tail ring Well, I’m feeling mighty fine Making spirits bright Got good music on my radio What fun it is to sing A sleighing song tonight. Well, I want to kiss you, baby While you’re standing ‘neath the mistletoe Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, I said, merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas, baby Oh what fun it is to ride You sure did treat me nice, yes, you did In a one-horse open sleigh, oh, Yes, you did, yes, you did, yes, you did Jingle bells, jingle bells I said merry, merry Christmas baby Jingle all the way, Sure did treat me nice Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Gave me a diamond ring for Christmas Now I’m living in paradise A day or two ago – Johnny Moore and Lou Baxter I thought I’d take a ride Soon Miss Fanny Bright AUDIENCE PLEASE REMAIN SEATED AND SING Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Angels We Have Heard on High Misfortune seemed his lot, Angels we have heard on high He got into a drifted bank Sweetly singing o’er the plains And we, we got upsot. And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains Jingle bells, jingle bells Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! – Traditional 30 31 Silent Night We Clasp the Hands We clasp the hands of those that go before us, Silent night, holy night And the hands of those who come after us. All is calm and all is bright We enter the little circle of each other’s arms Round yon virgin mother and child And the larger circle of lovers, Holy infant so tender and mild Whose hands are joined in a dance Sleep in heavenly peace And the larger circle of all creatures Sleep in heavenly peace (Passing in and out of life,) – Joseph Mohr Who moves also in a dance, To a music so subtle CLOSING And vast that no ear hears it except in fragments… Lullabye (Good Night, My Angel) – Wendell Berry Goodnight, my angel Time to close your eyes I Could Have Danced All Night And save these questions for another day On Christmas night we hear the angels singing . . . I think I know what you’ve been asking me I could have danced all night . . . I think you know what I’ve been trying to say And still have begged for more I promised I would never leave you And you should always know Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright Wherever you may go No matter where you are I could have spread my wings and done a thousand things I never will be far away I’ve never done before Gloria … Goodnight, my angel Now it’s time to sleep I’ll never know what made it so exciting And still so many things I want to say Why all at once my heart took flight Remember all the songs you sang for me When we went sailing on an emerald bay I only know when he began to dance with me And like a boat out on the ocean I could have danced, danced, danced I’m rocking you to sleep All night. The water’s dark – Alan Jay Lerner And deep inside this ancient heart You’ll always be a part of me Goodnight, my angel Now it’s time to dream And dream how wonderful your life will be Someday your child may cry And if you sing this lullabye Then in your heart There will always be a part of me

Someday we’ll all be gone But lullabyes go on and on... They never die That’s how you And I Will be – Billy Joel 32 33 TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear Matt Alber guest artist from our souls. We are weaned from our timidity Portland-based singer/ In the flush of love’s light songwriter Matt Alber we dare be brave And suddenly we see is currently touring that love costs all we are and will ever be. his 4th studio album Yet it is only love Wind Sand Stars. which sets us free. – Maya Angelou Matt first began working with Craig Hella Johnson in San Francisco Dance me to the end of love during his tenure with the men’s acapella ensemble Chanticleer with Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin whom he recorded two Grammy® Award-winning albums. Dance me through the panic ‘til I’m gathered safely in Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove Dance me to the end of love Since Matt’s debut solo release in 2007, his songs have taken him to Dance me to the end of love stages across the globe from Tchaikovsky Hall to Lincoln Center. In 2015 Matt was appointed by The U.S. State Department as musical Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on ambassador to Russia, Hungary, Kosovo and again to Sudan, Africa to Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long We’re both of us beneath our love, we’re both of us above work with young artists studying recording arts and broadcast journalism. Dance me to the end of love Dance me to the end of love Matt is actively involved with young artists as co-performer and mentor including ongoing projects with Toronto, Ontario’s famed El Sistema Dance me to the children who are asking to be born program and Portland, Oregon’s first LGBTQ youth chorus, Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn Bridging Voices. Dance me to the end of love Between tours, Matt also works behind the lens producing music Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin films and documentary. His music and films can be found at Dance me through the panic till I’m gathered safely in Touch me with your naked hand or touch me with your glove mattalber.com. Matt also appears on three Conspirare albums: Dance me to the end of love Sing Freedom, Something Beautiful and most recently Considering Dance me to the end of love Matthew Shepard. Dance me to the end of love – Leonard Cohen 34 35 Soprano Tenor

Mela Dailey Estelí Gomez Julie Keim Gitanjali Mathur Cole Blume Paul D’Arcy Carr Hornbuckle Eric Neuville* (Austin, TX) (Watsonville, CA) (Gaithersburg, MD) (Austin, TX) (Eugene, OR) (New York, NY) (San Antonio, TX) (Seattle, WA)

Stefanie Moore Kathlene Ritch* Sonja DuToit Shari Alise Wilson Jason Vest (Santa Monica, CA) (Santa Fe, NM) Tengblad (Austin, TX) (Cincinnati, OH) (Boston, MA)

Alto Bass

Cina Crisara Stella Hastings Pam Elrod Huffman* Helen Karloski Cameron Drayton Eggleson Rick Gabrillo* Robert Harlan (Austin, TX) (Dallas, TX) (Pittsburg, KS) (New York, NY) Beauchamp (Sycamore, IL) (Round Rock, TX) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) Percussion

Laura Elizabeth Petillot Keely J. Rhodes John Proft Thann Scoggin Thomas Burritt Mercado-Wright (Bordeaux, France) (Austin, TX) *denotes section leader (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) (Pflugerville, TX)

36 37 Considering Matthew Shepard went straight to number four on the Billboard Traditional Classic chart in its first week. In Europe, [PIAS] harmonia mundi’s international re-release of Requiem in 2009 won the Netherlands’ prestigious 2010 Edison Award, the Dutch equivalent of the Grammy. Path of Miracles, 2015, was awarded the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, a highly respected German CD award.

Conspirare received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from the national service organization Chorus America in 2005, and in 2007 a grant was received from the National Endowment for the Arts under its American Masterpieces initiative. In 2010 the organization received the Dale Warland Singers Commission Award from Chorus America to fund and premiere a new work by Eric Banks.

Conspirare is an internationally In addition to offering concerts, the group is also recognized, professional choral committed to an ongoing outreach program which organization now in its 24th season. includes free community Big Sings and performances at the Travis County Correctional Center. Led by founder and artistic director Craig Hella Johnson, the flagship ensemble Conspirare is a Grammy® award-winning chamber choir of extraordinarily talented soloists from around the country who come together to perform an annual concert series in Texas and to tour in the Conspirare represented the U.S. at the Eighth World Symposium on U.S. and abroad. Also comprising the organization are the Conspirare Choral Music in Copenhagen in 2008, joining invited choirs from nearly Symphonic Choir, a large ensemble that performs works for chorus, 40 countries. In fall 2012, the group traveled to France for six invited often with an instrumental ensemble, and Conspirare Youth Choirs, performances at the Polyfollia Festival and a public concert in Paris. an educational program including Prelude, Kantorei, and Allegro under And in July 2016, Olavfestdagene presented the group to premiere a the direction of Nina Revering. new work at the annual festival in Trondheim, Norway.

Conspirare has an international recording presence. The group’s 2014 Conspirare has performed in New York City, San Francisco, Minneapolis/ album The Sacred Spirit of Russia, released on the [PIAS] harmonia St. Paul, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and many other U.S. cities, mundi label, won the Grammy for Best Choral Performance. The including appearances as a featured choir at the American Choral ensemble’s complete discography to date includes 12 commercial albums Directors Association annual conference and regional ACDA conventions. and 15 self-produced live recordings of its popular holiday concerts. Established in Austin, TX in 1991 as New Texas Music Festival, Conspirare The group’s first commercial recording,through the green fuse, was now performs a full annual season in Austin and Central Texas where it released in 2004 and was followed in 2006 by Requiem which received has received ongoing recognition from local organizations and critics, two Grammy nominations. In 2008 Threshold of Night (music by including Austin Critic’s Table. Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson was Tarik O’Regan) also received two nominations, including Best Classical named Texas State Musician for 2013. In addition to offering concerts, Album. The 2009 PBS television special “A Company of Voices: Conspirare the group is also committed to an ongoing outreach program which in Concert” received the Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover, includes free community Big Sings and performances at Travis County and Pablo Neruda: The Poet Sings was nominated for Best Choral Correctional Facility. Conspirare became a Resident Company of the Performance in 2016. The group’s recent release of Craig Hella Johnson’s Long Center for the Performing Arts in 2013.

38 39 A composer and arranger, Johnson is an editor for the Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series, featuring specially selected composers as well as some of his own original compositions and arrangements. His music is also published by Alliance Music Publications. Johnson’s pieces are in high demand by choirs across the United States who also commission his work.

Johnson is known Johnson’s first concert-length compositionConsidering Matthew Shepard was premiered and recorded by Conspirare for a 2016 CD release. The for crafting musical Bay Area Reporter wrote: “…it has the richness, depth and complexity to journeys that create compel repeated hearing...for all the musical styles Johnson employs... it has a unity of conception and voice that is all Johnson’s. Considering deep connections Matthew Shepard is a deeply American piece, performed with utter between performer dedication by performers for whom it was composed. But its universality lies in the fact that it could be performed by many others – and must be, and listener. for all our sakes.”

As Conspirare’s founder and Artistic Director, Johnson assembles some of today’s finest singers to form a world-class ensemble. Johnson is also Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and composers, music director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and conductor and revered by musicians, Johnson is known for emeritus of the Victoria Bach Festival. He has served as guest conductor with Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, crafting musical journeys that create deep connections Harvard University and many others in Texas, the U.S. and abroad. between performer and listener. Through these activities, as well as Conspirare’s many recordings on the internationally distributed [PIAS]harmonia mundi label, Johnson brings national and international recognition to the Texas musical community. Johnson’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and composers, and revered awards and honors. Notably among them, he and Conspirare won a 2014 by musicians, Johnson is known for crafting musical journeys that Grammy® for Best Choral Performance, Chorus America granted him create deep connections between performer and listener. Johnson is the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional recognized for his distinctive programming, drawing on a broad spectrum Choral Art in 2015, and the Texas State Legislature named him Texas State of musical styles to create vibrant concert experiences. The Wall Street Musician for 2013. Other honors have included 2008 induction into the Journal has praised Johnson’s ability to “find the emotional essence Austin Arts Hall of Fame, Chorus America’s 2009 Louis Botto Award for other performers often miss.” Composer and collaborator Robert Kyr Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal, and the 2011 Citation of Merit has observed that “Craig’s attitude toward creating a community of from international professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. Johnson artists...goes beyond technical mastery into that emotional depth and studied at St. Olaf College, the Juilliard School, and the University of spiritual life of the music.” Illinois, and earned his doctorate at Yale University.

Johnson was Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Austin from 1990-2001 and remains an active educator, teaching workshops and clinics statewide, nationally, and internationally. In fall 2012 he became the first Artist-in-Residence at Texas State University School of Music.

40 41 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARTISTIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Season Sustaining Underwriter & Performance Sponsor Fran Collmann, Chair Craig Hella Johnson Robert Harlan, Vice Chair Artistic Director Larry Collmann, Treasurer William C. Bednar, Secretary Roland Barrera Ken Beck Conspirare Concierge

Mary Anne Connolly Performance Sponsors Tamara Blanken Susanna Finnell Online Services Manager Nancy Lesch Jerele Neeld Kelly Brownlee Ozden Ochoa Director of Foundation Relations & Marion Lear Swaybill Annual Giving Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Joni Wallace Wendi & Brian Kushner Jeanne & Van Hoisington Patrick Willis Rick Gabrillo Patricia Yost Associate Conductor Foundation Supporters Kodosky Foundation Shield-Ayres Foundation ADVISORY BOARD Robert Harlan Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Stephen Aechternacht Production Consultant Keating Family Foundation Still Water Foundation

John Aielli Eva & Marvin Womack Foundation Sue Barnes Deborah Henderson Mark Bierner Conspirare Youth Choirs Manager Restaurant Partners

Ray Brimble Ben R. King David Burger Production Assistant David Claflin Tom Driskoll Meri Krueger Public Agency Sponsors Virginia Dupuy Artist Relations Supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division Maydelle Fason of the City of Austin Economic Development Department JoLynn Free Jamie Leighton Billy Gammon Production Administrator Vance George Helen Hays Kathy Leighton Media Sponsors House Manager Dan Herd William B. Hilgers Wayne Holtzman Ann McNair Judith Jellison Acting Operations Director & In-Kind Sponsors Bob Murphy Executive Assistant to the Artistic Lynn Murphy Director

Cliff Redd Jane Ramirez Gayle Glass Roche Business Manager Sessi, Chamberlain & Nancy Scanlan Stewart, LLP Angela Smith Nina Revering Outreach Partner Bernadette Tasher Conspirare Youth Choirs Director Louann Temple Eva Womack Meredith Thomas Midge Woolsey Director of Development 42 43 We thank each individual, foundation, business, government & city agency for your Ann McNair investment in Conspirare and in our mission to change lives through the power of SUSTAINER Kathryn & Dave McNeely music. This list represents gifts made between July 1, 2015 – October 25, 2016. $1,000-$2,499 Milton Miller Bonnie Mills When we make music, we make it together. Anonymous Beverly Barr Suzanne Mitchell & Richard Zansitis Suzanne & Eric Batchelder Michele Morrison CONSPIRARE CIRCLE CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE Mim Luetje & Garrett Beauvais Chandra Muller & William Beckner $50,000 + $5,000-$9999 Becky Beaver & John Duncan Eric Neuville Anonymous Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation K’Andrea Bickerstaff Sylvia Noteware Ginger & Mike Blair Mary Anne Connolly Mark Bierner Delisa & Ron Pettit City of Austin Cultural Arts Division Mela Sarajane Dailey & Peter Bay Vera Ayres Bowen Cat & Rudy Prince Fran & Larry Collmann Paula D’Arcy Pat & Robert Brueck Joel Quade Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge James K. Ferguson Foundation, Annette Carlozzi & Dan Bullock Flo Ann Randle Estate of Jerry Craft Jim Ferguson & Art Sansone Sarah & Ernest Butler Susan & Forest Rees Estate of Lewis Hoffacker Susanna & Richard Finnell Margaret Murray-Miller & Carl Caricari Louise Reeser Tina & Dale Knobel Sandy & Bill Fivecoat CAS Consulting Louis Renaud The Kodosky Foundation, Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper Janis & David Claflin Dean Revering Gail & Jeff Kodosky Helen & Bob Hays Robin & Malcolm Cooper Lynn & Dick Rew National Endowment for the Arts Jack Leifer & Carr Hornbuckle Katelena Hernandez Cowles Candy Rogers South Texas Money Management Craig Hella Johnson & Philip Overbaugh & James Cowles Roseann & Ben Roth Trish & Robert Karli Tracy & Michael Di Leo Augustin Rubio COMPOSER’S CIRCLE Keating Family Foundation Dian Graves Owen Foundation Salesforce.org $20,000-$49,999 Angie & Steve Larned Estate of David Anthony Burger Bobbye & Allan Sawatzky Anonymous Susan & Craig Lubin Ann Fields Marilyn Sharratt Anonymous Stefanie Moore & Todd Keister Betty Sue Flowers & Bill Bradley Gene Alice & Max Sherman Lara & Robert Harlan Per Stirling Group Khris Ford Suzanne & John Shore HEB Tournament of Champions Nancy Quinn & Thomas Driscoll Susan & John Fox Silicon Valley Community Foundation Wendi & Brian Kushner Linda & Robert Ramsey Jolynn & Gregory Free Brenda & Larry Smith Eric Leibrock Cyndee & David Rust, Quartz Financial Frost Bank David C. Smith Lee Manford & Casey Blass Carolyn & Marc Seriff Carlo Gavino & Andy Snyder Debbie & William Stassen Gayle Roche Susanne Tetzlaff & Eric Tiblier Kim & Steve Gilbert James Stolpa Still Water Foundation Glenda Goehrs Bernadette Tasher The Fetzer Institute BENEFACTORS Cynthia Gonzales Peter Flagg Maxson & John C. R. Taylor $2,500-$4,999 Maria & Eric Groten Texas Appleseed Anne & William Wagner VOX CIRCLE James Arth Gusto Italian Kitchen David Webber & Ransom Baldasare $10,000-$19,999 Nancy & Randy Baden Marisa I. Hormel Kathleen & Jim Wicoff Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation Chris & J. Dennis Cavner Pam & Rick Huffman Peggy Howard & Bill Wood Austin Community Foundation Catherine Clark Karen & Gerry Jacknow Patricia & Chris Yost Joyce & Ken Beck Danna & Crutch Crutchfield Frances Johns William C. Bednar Joanne & John Earls Allison Kelly SPONSOR Dixie Camp Evelyn & Rick Gabrillo Michael Kentor Factory 733 LLC Jeanne Langston & Robert Grantham Mary Kevorkian & Tom Holzbach $500-$999 Finkelstein Foundation Marge Johnson Karen Kibler & Tom Grimes Apple Inc. Mary Nell Frucella Judy & Douglas Rhodes Stephanie & Robert Kincheloe Margaret & Robert Ayres Jeanne & Van Hoisington Marion Lear Swaybill Kathleen Kinney Margaret & Robert Berdahl Rachael and Ben F. Vaughan Foundation Nancy Lesch & Janet Bezner Timothy Koock Anne Bertholf Susan & Jack Robertson Emily Little Laura Legett Mary Parse & Klaus Bichteler Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld Kathy & Henry Leighton Birdsong Insurance Nancy Scanlan William Nemir Life in the City Ann & Jeff Bomer Shield-Ayres Foundation Kimberly & Dan Renner Thomas Lukens Jennifer & Charles Botchway Texas Commission on the Arts Judy & Douglas Rhodes Sheila Lummis Phyllis Bourque & Shelley Taylor Julia & Patrick Willis Keely Rhodes Marsha Manhart Kay Brumley Eva & Marvin Womack Dan Seriff Sue & Phil Maxwell James & Greg Bryant Jeanie & Bill Wyatt Hettie Tetzlaff & Don Gunn Joyce Mayer Judy & John Bush Sandi Aitken & Bob Tomlinson Leigh McAlister Shawna Butler Linda & Nick van Bavel Virginia McDermott & William Schleuse Janet Carlsen Campbell Joni Wallace Vance McMahan Richard Campbell

44 45 Cheryl Fuller Kendra Welton-Lipman & Sam Lipman Laura Agnew & William Abell PATRON Alaire & Thomas Lowry Julia Ardery & Bill Bishop Joan & David George $250-$499 Mary Gifford Ann & Tim Lowry Helen & Dan Armstrong Cynthia & Robert Abrams Liz & Rob Gilbert Sue Mahan Stephanie & Ames Asbell Barbara & Kevin J. Barry Kendal & Ken Gladish Leslie & Les Mashburn Carolyn Asbell Sally Beaudette Carol Anne Graham & Jerry Llewellyn Gitanjali Mathur & Ciji Isen Erika Bacon Cindy & Patrick Behling Cynthia Harkness Marsha McCary Deanna Badgett Pat Black Carol & Bob Hayden Julie & Jerry McCoy Stacy & Doug Bain Pamela Brown Liz Howard Mary McKaughan Lynn Baker Kelly & John Brownlee Cheline Jaidar Everett McKinley Kellie & Mark Bartley Amy & Kyle Bryson Frana Keith M.J. McReynolds Steven Beebe Viera Buzgova Patricia Kellam Robin & Paul Melroy Mary Jo Bertani Paul Carapetyan Karen & Donald Kirmis Janie Keys & Ivan Milman Ingrid & Nathan Bick Ellen Chase KLRU-TV Ann Moody Andrea Black Mike Chesser Claire Korioth Fran & Steven Moss Beth Blackerby Kathryn & Michael Coffey Dina Kuntz Megan & Stephen Mulva Margie Bodas Nathasha Collmann & David Collmann Bonnie & Sidney Lanier Toni & Joseph Murgo Brian Miller & Jack Brannon Robert Dailey Lou Ann & Bill Lasher William Nichols Clarence Bray Lisa McLean & Michael Dennis Browne Cindy Libera Kathryn & Jack Olson Janet Briaud Nina & Jeffrey Di Leo Kathy & Don Lougheed Gretchen Olson Kopp Kathleen A. Brown Paul Dlabal Melissa Marse & Andy Hopwood Aurelia Palubeckas Allan Brumley Prentiss Douthit Jyoti & Aditya Mathur Sonny Payne Chris Brunt Dorothy Drummer & Greg Eden Catherine Mauzy & Hans Magnusson Pelton Charitable Trust Beth Ann Bryan Gitanjali Dubey Ruth & Bob McGregor Douglas Plummer Carol Bufton Sharon Duboise Kay & Tom McHorse Lynn & Brian Powell Cora & Clayton Bullock Johnathan Edwards Debe & Kevin McKeand Lisa & Bob Radebaugh Jean Burke John E. Farrar Sue Morrison Jane Ramirez Chris Bussell Jill Fatzer Rebecca Muniz Joanne & Jerome Ravel Daniel Capouch Gwen & Bruce Flory Suzi & Douglas Nelson Joanne & Hamilton Richards Michael Carpenter Hilary & Luke Frels-Cain Beverly Newsom Sally & Andy Ritch Marsha & Tom Caven Judy Gordon Cynthia & Lip Norvell Michal Rosenberger Grayson Cecil Charlotte Hale Olden Lighting Deborah & Ed Rupp Cheryl Cellon Lindquist Glenn Haluska Dixie & John Paulos Mary & Jo-Michael Scheibe Jonn Cherico Martha & David Harrington Jordan Peterson Michelle Schumann & Matt Orem Patricia Cherico Carolyn Harris Hynson Sherie Pfister Barbara Schutz Alice Childress Michelle Harrosh Stu Phillips April Schweighart Arne Christenson Benjamin Heller Ann Phipps & Michael Cannatti Jackie & Bob Shapiro Bob Clagett Margaret Henderson Karen & Allen Pope Bea Ann Smith Janie Cook Kit Holmes Beverly & Gene Ross Jim Sotiros Dwayne Cooper Amy & Brian Huber Linda Rowald & George Brown Carol & Michael Stehling James Copeland Melissa Huebsch-Stroud Oliver Scofield Mary & Rusty Tally Lisa Cowan David Hunt Jare & Jim Smith Sonja Tengblad Cory Cox Meta Hunt & Trent Miller Holly Smyth Tescom, Inc. Mary Lockwood Crouch Royce Hunter Steeping Room Meredith Thomas Paul Cummings Sylvia & David Jabour Elizabeth & Duff Stewart Jennifer & Scott Tiller Brad Cummins Karen & Peter Jakes Cason Swindle Michelle & Paul Karel Dahmen Judith Jellison & Robert Duke Kerry Tate Matt Trietsch Mela Sarajane Dailey & Peter Bay Charlotte & Ben Johnson Kay Taylor & Charles Singletary Dale & Roy Truitt Ronald Dandrea Eric Johnson Colleen & Tom Terkel Cynthia Wilson William Davidson Julie Keim Patricia Tollison Shari Wilson & Jason Shestok Tynan Davis Lynn & David Kindler Patti Troth Black Susan Zolla-Pazner Richard Davis Daryl Kunik Anne & Tony Vance Faith DeBow Charles Landgraf Lynda Young & Harris Kaffie FRIEND Mary Alice & Mike DeBow Lawrence Lawver $100-$249 Karl Dent Gomer Lesch Dominick Diorio Karen & Mark C. Aamot Marion Lewin Matthew Donnelly Jonnet & Peter Abeles Kati Lewis Dianne Donovan Susan Adair

46 47 Michael Ensrude Lynn Knaupp Elizabeth & Lawrence Pinsky Tim Young Constance & Rex Esau Sandy Knight Joan & Gary Pope Meg Youngblood Elizabeth & Paul Escamilla Tim Koderl Karen & Alex Pope Richard Yu Exxon Mobil Corporation Meri Krueger & Yasser Farra Paula Priour Joyce Zehr & Marvin Burke Jacquetta & Lowell Feldman Idee Kwak Cheryl & Gary Pyle Blane Zeiler Tim Ferchill Nancy Lacroix Paul Ramsey Conspirare also thanks all donors of gifts under Stephen Finn Elsa Bignoli & T.K. Lakshman Ellen Gould & Daniel Ray $100 and regrets that space does not permit listing Carole Fitzpatrick Lindsey Lane Chris Richter of each name. Your support is equally appreciated. Mary Anne Flournoy Hillary Larson Loren Riemer We strive to publish an accurate donor list. If an Dick Francis Dell Lawhead Teresa Ringness error or omission is noted, please let us know. Jill & Terry Frisbie Judy Leatherwood Smith Leslie Robb Rhea & Frederick Fry Cynthia & Sanford Levinson Sara Robertson LEGACY OF SOUND DONORS Robert Garrett Catherine & David Light Leilani Rose Anonymous (2) Melondie & Gary Gentry John Lindley Dan Rusthoi William Bednar Becky Getter Paul Lindquist Donna Rutherford Ginger & Michael Blair Nelsa Gidney Teresa & Krzysztof Lyson Paul Rutz Pat & Robert Brueck Wilhelmina & Gerald Gilligan Mary Marcotte Gwenn & James Sandoz Catherine Clark James Goerke Katherine Marion Deb Sarosdy Fran & Larry Collmann Ty Goodridge & Bill Norgren Jim Maxwell Robert Satterlee Mary Anne Connolly Kathryn Govier Edward McCrone Harold Schneider Danna & Crutch Crutchfield Melissa Gray Janet McCullar Lori Schwanz Susanna & Richard Finnell Richard Gray Kari McDonald Jennifer & Terry Scoggin Lara & Robert Harlan Jo & James Green Michael McGowan Jo Scurlock-Dillard Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper Desi Koome & Gary Greenblum Karen McLaughlin Madelaine & Thomas Seay Helen & Bob Hays Zoe Griffith Becky & Ted Mercado Valerie Serice The Kodosky Foundation, John Grubbs Renee & David Merwether Terry Sheetz Gail & Jeffrey Kodosky Rebecca & Steven Guengerich Marianne & Wolf Metzner Kay Sherrill Eric Leibrock Mary Louise & James Gwynn Mary Voll Miller & James Miller Barbara Fiorito & Michael Shimkin Trish & Robert Karli Karen Hale & Al Lindsey Phyllis Miller Elizabeth Sickles Robert Kyr Harold Hall Michael Mitchell Jeanne Sigel Wendi & Brian Kushner Elizabeth & Scott Hanna Kathy & Eldridge Moak Margot Smit Craig & Susan Lubin Robert Hardgrave Jenifer Ryan Moberg Sandra & Jeffrey Smith The Mattsson-McHale Foundation Michael Harper Linda Monk Flint Sparks Louise Morse Douglas Harvey Blake Morgan Clara Spriggs-Adams Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld Judith & Beber Helburn Evan Morgan Susan Stevenson E. Stuart Phillips Jane Hembree Cindy & Jim Morriss Virginia Stotts Nancy Quinn & Thomas Driscoll Sara & Ed Hill Rebecca Nemser Eileen & Robert Sudela Susan & Jack Robertson Glenda Lee & Matthew Hinsley Alissa Neubauer Patrice Sullivan Nancy Scanlan Cathy Holland Cecilia Neuhaus Deaton & William Deaton Peg Syverson Dan Seriff Joan & Wayne Holtzman Christopher Novosad Connie Thompson Bea Ann Smith Judy Horton John O’Brien Dawn & Lance Thompson David C. Smith Virginia Hyde & John Howard Joe Olson Don Trapp Still Water Foundation Joan & Paul Hudson Karen Olson Pat Uhls Marion Lear Swaybill Georgina Hudspeth & John Zeuner AnnMarie Olson Douglas Upchurch Anne & William Wagner Bobbie Huffman Sara Ortiz Hiroko & Max Warshauer Julia & Patrick Willis Cheri & Jeffrey Hunt Maryellen & Robert Overbaugh Lorelei Weitzel Sheila & Ryan Youngblood Todd Jermstad Thomas Overbaugh Caleb Wenzel

Diane Johnson Marilynn Pagano Eric Whitacre Diane & Lyle Jones Joyce & Jim Parrish Katherine & Steve White Mary Jones Julie Parsley Diana Whitley Beth & Greg Judd Cathie Parsley Nancy Whitworth James Kettlewell DeeAnne & Steven Paulson Paul J. Williams Margaret Keys Andrea Peck Debra Williams Charles Kiley Jesse Penn Virginia J. & Geoff Willig Vicki & Ben King Ruth Pennebaker Carol Wilson Ann & Bill Kleinebecker Jean Permann Elise Winters Jeffrey Klenz Elizabeth Petillot Luke Wooldridge

48 49 Conspirare Ambassadors Olden Lighting Julie Adams The Recording Conservatory of Austin Helen Altobello Redeemer Presbyterian Church Katherine Altobello Kathleen Rotondo Camille Atkins Libni Salazar-Vazquez Chris Baker Matt Schneider Taja Beekley Kimberly Schneider When we make music, Pat Black Dick Senn we make it together Gay Bullard Sarah Sheffield Chris Cavner Saint Michael and All Angels If Conspirare has brought you joy this evening, David Corney Hal Siegel please make a donation in support of our work. Katherine Ehlert Volunteers Tim and Vivian Ferchill Tenaya Sunbury Simply put, we cannot sing without your investment! Stephanie Foster Tescom Volunteers Michelle Fisher Tobin Center Did you know that Conspirare: Caroline Frommhold Victoria Bach Festival Volunteers Mary Gifford Kathleen Girard Friends & Supporters Provides master classes Kathryn Govier Brink Creative for a diversity of young people Rebecca Greathouse The Carillon on Exposition Chez Zee Sara Hilgers Performs outreach concerts Rod Howard City of Austin Cultural Arts Division Melissa Huebsch El Chile at the Travis County Correctional Center Virginia Hyde First United Methodist Church, Victoria Michel Kennell Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar Gives tickets to underprivileged young people HEB Tournament of Champions Henry Leighton and their families to attend Conspirare concerts Beverly McCune Jewell Media Diana Phillips KLRU Patrice Sullivan KMFA Coordinates three community Big Sing events each year Veryan and Greg Thompson Wendi & Brian Kushner Nell Trimble KUT/KUTX Rob and Colleen Tulloh Marquee Event Group Inspires young singers Nicki Turman McCarthy Print through the Conspirare Youth Choirs Lauren Vick National Endowment for the Arts Carol Walker Philip Overbaugh Quartz Financial Conspirare Ambassadors volunteer as ushers, Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Your support makes this important work possible! CD sales associates, artist hosts and other The Steeping Room concert functions. We invite new volunteers South Texas Money Management To make a gift, use the gift envelope in this program who enjoy meeting the public and contributing St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, or go to our website to Conspirare’s operations. If you are interested Houston conspirare.org/donate in becoming part of the team, contact St. Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Kathy Leighton at [email protected] Church, Dallas Questions? Texas Commission on the Arts Contact Meredith Thomas Production Team Texas Performing Arts Director of Development Rachel Atkinson Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Viera Buzgova University Federal Credit Union [email protected] 512-476-5775 Conspirare Ambassadors Conspirare Symphonic Choir volunteers Thanks to a grant from the Austin Robert Harlan, Production Designer Community Foundation, Conspirare Liz Hernandez is proud to invite youth from the Changing lives... Elaine Jacobs following schools and organizations Long Center to attend this performance: one song at a time. Corey Cochran-Lopez African Children’s Choir Marvin Morgenroth Armstrong Community Middle School Nomad Sound Leander Middle School

50 51 Present this ad for a complimentary dessert with purchase of full priced pizza, pasta, or secondi on your next visit.

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Conspirare Youth Choirs Present Wealth Advisors Specializing In Sudden Wealth December 16 & 17, 2017 7:30pm University Presbyterian Church tickets at conspirare.org www.QuartzFinancial.com Centered on Paul Halley’s sparkling “Untraveled Worlds,” set for treble voices, violin, and (512) 243-5977 percussion, our concert will feature themes of nature, its beauty, and its power.

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Please mark your calendar and join us for these upcoming events!

Conspirare Youth Choir presents Believe December 16 & 17, 2016 University Presbyterian Church

Considering Matthew Shepard encore performances January 29 & 30, 2017 Rudder Theater, Texas A&M University ...... February 5, 2017 Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

Unclouded Day May 20, 2017 Westlake Hills Presbyterian

BIG SING: where the audience is the choir December 15, 5:30pm Blanton Museum of Art ...... May 9, 2017, 5:30pm McCallum High School Fine Arts Academy

more details at conspirare.org Pick up a copy of the newly released 2014 Conspirare Christmas album! www.conspirare.com